Senior Restaurant Hostess

Overview:

The Senior Restaurant Hostess oversees the guest reception area, ensuring that guests are warmly greeted, seated efficiently, and provided with a high level of service. This role involves managing reservations, coordinating with the front-of-house staff, and addressing guest needs to ensure a positive dining experience.

Responsibilities:

1. Guest Reception:
   • Greet guests upon arrival with a warm and professional demeanor.
   • Manage the seating process, ensuring guests are seated in a timely manner according to their preferences and availability.
   • Provide guests with menus and offer information about daily specials, restaurant policies, and seating arrangements.
2. Reservations and Seating:
   • Manage and organize reservations using the restaurant’s booking system.
   • Coordinate with the restaurant manager and staff to handle special requests, such as large parties or VIP guests.
   • Maintain a waitlist and communicate estimated wait times to guests when necessary.
3. Customer Service:
   • Address guest inquiries and concerns with professionalism and efficiency.
   • Assist guests with special needs, including accommodating dietary restrictions and arranging for any special occasions or requests.
   • Monitor the dining area to ensure guests are satisfied and address any issues that arise.
4. Front-of-House Coordination:
   • Work closely with servers, bussers, and other front-of-house staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
   • Communicate seating arrangements and guest preferences to the service team.
   • Monitor the flow of guests and manage the pace of seating to balance service levels and minimize wait times.
5. Administrative Duties:
   • Maintain accurate records of reservations, guest preferences, and special requests.
   • Handle phone calls and emails related to reservations and guest inquiries.
   • Assist with administrative tasks such as updating reservation systems and managing guest feedback.
6. Training and Supervision:
   • Train and mentor junior hostesses and front-of-house staff on best practices and service standards.
   • Supervise the host/hostess team during shifts, ensuring adherence to service protocols and standards.
   • Provide feedback and support to improve team performance and guest satisfaction.
7. Guest Experience Enhancement:
   • Implement strategies to enhance the overall guest experience, including greeting guests personally and remembering repeat guests’ preferences.
   • Solicit guest feedback and make recommendations to the restaurant management for improvements.
8. Compliance and Safety:
   • Ensure that all health, safety, and sanitation standards are followed in the guest reception area.
   • Adhere to restaurant policies and procedures, including those related to guest service and conflict resolution.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on delivering exceptional guest service.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage reservations, seating arrangements, and guest flow effectively.
• Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team of hostesses, providing guidance and support.
• Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills to address and resolve guest issues and operational challenges.
• Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in reservations and guest interactions.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in hospitality or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience as a hostess, with at least 2-3 years in a similar role, including supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with reservation systems and front-of-house operations.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the restaurant’s operating hours.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and manage a busy front-of-house environment.

Additional Notes:

• A Senior Restaurant Hostess plays a key role in creating a positive first impression for guests and ensuring a smooth dining experience.
• Opportunities for career advancement may include roles such as Restaurant Manager or Front-of-House Manager based on performance and experience.

A successful Senior Restaurant Hostess ensures high standards of guest service, efficient management of reservations and seating, and contributes to an overall positive dining experience.